My Never-Ending Birthday Present

We went to the rodeo and had a ball.

There were roller-coaster firsts and amazed eyes.

As we left the fairgrounds dusty, tired and quiet I told Tim that for the next 15 years I want a family day at the rodeo for my birthday. I want this picture every year, just with older faces... well everyone else's older faces, mine can stay the same. :) 

Tim said I was crazy if I thought that these two boys would want to go with me/us to the rodeo when they're 16. I said I didn't care. They're going. Even if (when) they're embarrassed by us.

It was QT y'all. I love me some QT. the moments are etched on my heart. 

A sheep baa'd at us and Payton started to cry, but then laughed because Cameron laughed.

  

Cameron was captivated. by all of it. He also thinks he would like to try muttin' bustin' in his future, but he doesn't want to fall off.

Payton let our entire section know where the horses and cows were. multiple times.

He also loves clapping, especially when everyone else is clapping and cheering.

That box of popcorn lasted for one 8-second ride.

It's worth noting that before kids, Tim and I had many fun, "date nights" at the rodeo:  boots, jeans, crisp shirts and even a cowboy hat sometimes.  This year as we sat in our seats as a family I looked around and giggled. We are so all about comfort now. We were both wearing sneakers and there certainly wasn't anything "crisp" about us.

The rodeo is a memorable treat both ways.

I Am Who I Am...

I am who I am because:

Someone loved me no matter what, with all she had to give.
Someone introduced me to faith, taught me card games & the shag.
Someone taught me how to stand tall, to believe in myself and take it all in.
Someone reminded me to be goofy, to live and to laugh at yourself.
Someone motivated me to practice and always cheered me on.
Someone taught me about work ethic and contributing to society.
Someone helped me see the differences in people and the humanity that bonds us together.
Someone taught me that we all have to take care of this world we're changing.
Someone listened to my stories and kept my secrets.
Someone taught me independence but included me.
Someone kept me grounded and young at heart.
Someone made me a sister. Twice. I'm forever tied to that sisterhood.

Someone forever tried to teach me the value of a dollar.

Someone gave me chores, pushed me to get a job and got me out of my comfort zone.
Someone allowed me to be a tomboy when I needed to be.
Someone has never looked back.
Someone finally gave me that great-big-family-feeling and added cousins to my life. I love and cherish them.
Someone spent time with my heart, chooses us and always has my back.
Someone laughs at my sillies, talks me up and calms me down.
Someone left the sweetest, most genuine smile on my heart.

Two boys light up my life and have made me a better person.

The ocean relaxes my soul.
The sun makes me hold my head higher and breathe deeper.
The lake lets me day dream.
Watching other peoples joy makes my heart sour.
I love fireworks, the table cloths that my Grandma brings out at every family gathering, the way the boys sit and watch a train, any train.
I love a jeep, any convertible really, with the top down and old school music turned up loud.
I love watching Tim drive a boat, teach our kids something new, working his magic.

I love listening to Cameron sing along with my music.
I love reading books to my kids using funny voices. (Sometimes it still sounds weird for me to say "my kids".)
I love watching Payton's expressions.

I love a new project, a challenge, an adventure.

I love time, quality time.

Another year to grow from here. Hey, 36 - welcome to the party.